Dena’ Nena’ Henash • Our Land Speaks · Community Health Aide Training Center. TCC’s...

Alaska’s 2018 Elections August 21 Primary Election

November 6 General Election

More information on page 10

In ThisIssue:

2018 VotingInformation

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New Village Support Accountant

Page 12

CHAP Completion Ceremony

Page 8

Last Tetlin Culture & Wellness Camp

Pages 4 & 5

TCC Region CommunitiesLt. Governor visits

Alaska Lt. Governor Byron Mallott along with Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Sam Cotten visited several of our communities last month.

Mallott and his staff were accompanied by Chief/Chairman Victor Joseph, members of the Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission, and several of TCC’s staff.

On their trip they were able to hear from tribal members from Shageluk,

Grayling, Anvik, Holy Cross, and McGrath. Each community noted that the king salmon numbers were lower this year and it has been a challege to meet their subsistent needs.

This is the third trip that Mallott has been on in three years to TCC’s river communities. Last year, the Lt. Governor and Commissioner Cotten visited several other Yukon River communities.

These visits are extremely important

and the voices they hear are powerful. The trip was successful, collecting testimonials, local knowledge, and hands on experience. The hospitality was warm. Community members generously shared their catch.

We thank all of our communities for welcoming us with open arms and for being advocates for generations to come.

See photos from this trip on page 3.

A REPORT TO THE MEMBER TRIBES OF TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCEVol. 43, No. 8 August 2018

Dena’ Nena’ Henash • Our Land Speaks

MISSION STATEMENTTanana Chiefs Conference provides a unified voice in advancing sovereign

tribal governments through the promotion of physical and mental wellness,

education, socioeconomic development, and culture of the Interior Alaska Native

people.

VISIONHealthy, Strong, Unified Tribes

TCC EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Donald Honea Sr./Ruby1st Traditional Chief

Trimble Gilbert/Arctic Village2nd Traditional Chief

Victor Joseph/ TananaChief/Chairman

Julie Roberts-Hyslop/TananaVice President

Jerry Isaac/TanacrossSecretary/Treasurer

William “Chaaiy” Albert/NorthwayUpper Tanana

Nick Alexia Sr./NikolaiUpper Kuskokwim

Nancy James/Fort YukonYukon Flats

Eugene Paul/Holy CrossLower Yukon

Frank Thompson/ EvansvilleYukon Tanana

Norman ‘Carl’ Burgett/ HusliaYukon Koyukuk

Peter Demoski/NulatoElder Advisor

Jolie Murray/BeaverYouth Advisor

Dear Tribes and Tribal Members,

I hope everyone is enjoying the warm summer months, and able to spend time outdoors with family and friends! For those who have spent time fishing, I hope your freezers are full and ready for fall!

This summer has been exciting and productive with TCC’s annual trip throughout our region with Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and Commissioner of Fish and Game Sam Cotton. This year we were able to visit communities along the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers, including Russian Mission, Shageluk, Grayling, Anvik, Holy Cross, and McGrath. The village trips with Lt. Governor Mallott and Commission Cotton continue to strengthen our relationship with both state and federal agencies, and provide an excellent platform to advocate for hunting, fishing and the preservation of our culture. One of our top priorities is also a shared vision among our state and federal partners is the rebounding of the King salmon run to historic numbers. The river trips emphasize the need to protect and manage our state’s natural resources, by showing first-hand the diminishing salmon runs and the negative impacts within our communities along the waterways. The river trips also highlight the generosity among our communities, and TCC is very thankful to all of the people who spend time sharing their stories, opening their homes and sharing meals with our distinguished guests and TCC family.

In addition to the river trip, TCC is excited to announce the continued success of its Community Health Aide Training Center. TCC’s Training Center provides training for all four levels within the health aide program. Since February 2016, 76 health aides have completed the CHAP basic training, Level 1. This summer, a third group of graduates successfully completed CHA Level 4. This is the highest and final level of training for health aides. These six graduates will return to their communities and provide a high level of health care to their patients. Please join me congratulating Kalene Lolnitz, Koyukuk; Eva Thomas, Northway; Dawn Newman, Rampart; and our Itinerant health aides; Destiny Salmon, Patricia Oldman, and Tori Stein! Please refer to Page 8, for additional information on the CHA program and photos from the graduation ceremony.

Throughout July and August, TCC’s Executive Board, Executive Managers, and staff will attend meetings in all six subregions including the Upper Tanana, Yukon Tanana, Upper Kuskokwim, Yukon Flats, Yukon Koyukuk, and Lower Yukon. We are excited to attend these meetings and travel throughout our region to meet with community members to share updates, accomplishments and answer any questions, and address any concerns. Subregional meetings are a high priority for TCC to ensure the staff continue to work in alignment with you as we strive to maintain our vision of Healthy, Strong, Unified Tribes.

Lastly, with primary elections approaching this fall, I urge you to remain involved and supportive of issues important to our region by casting your vote at the polls. The results of the general election in November will have a huge impact on our region, and you have the ability to protect what is important to you and your community by voting! There are many issues on the ballot that directly impact our communities, including rural schools, public safety, village infrastructure, water and sewer projects, and programs that help our families in need. For more information or questions regarding the upcoming election season, contact Marna Sanford, TCC’s Government Relations Coordinator at x3317 or [email protected].

As we prepare for the start of school, hunting season and the beginning of fall, please use caution when traveling and watch for weather advisories throughout our region. I hope you enjoy the remainder of you summer, and have a safe and relaxing Labor Day holiday weekend! We look forward to seeing you at subregional meetings as we continue to work together to maintain Healthy, Strong, Unified Tribes.

Ana Bassee,Victor Joseph

Chief/Chairman

CHIEF’S REPORT

TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER2

Smoke-Free Workplace billA bill that bans smoking in all workplaces statewide passed the Alaska Legislature and was signed into

law on July 11, 2018. Some Alaska cities, such as Anchorage, Juneau, Bethel, Barrow, Haines, Nome and Palmer have already passed similar legislation at the local level. Fairbanks was by far the largest hold out, although both the City of Fairbanks and the Fairbanks North Star Borough have ordinances that prohibit smoking on city and borough properties.

The financial burden of caring for people that fall victim to tobacco-related illness due to second-hand smoke costs the State of Alaska tens of millions of dollars annually. Tanana Chiefs Conference has been a smoke-free campus for several years due in part to the extremely high rate of tobacco use and a leading contributor to illness in Alaska Native people. Tanana Chiefs Conference was active in the advocacy effort to make Smoke-free workplaces available to all Alaskans, along with partners, the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, ANHB among others.

New

3TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

Culture & Wellness CampThe 2018 Tetlin Culture and

Wellness Camp was held June 18th - 23rd at Last Tetlin, approximately an hour boat ride out of the village of Tetlin, at the base of the Alaska Range.

There was a total of 114 participants ranging in ages from 2-81; from the villages of Tetlin, Tok, Tanacross, Northway, Dot Lake, and Mentasta.

Attendees participated in wellness activities such as smoking, alcohol, and drug prevention, bullying and cyber bullying, focusing on making good choices, wellness and prevention, as well as grieving and healing.

Safety is a large portion of these camps: Alaska State Trooper Sgt. Bitts presented on Fire Arm

safety and the importance of it and Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge employee, Tim Lorenzini spoke on water safety and environmental education.

The Last Tetlin Camp’s cultural focus was on processing whitefish and Tetlin’s Traditional Values including practicing respect and helping others, Clan system, language, and the importance of singing, dancing, and drumming.

Children learned that nothing is wasted, there are uses for all parts of fish and animals by processing and drying whitefish and how to process all parts of a moose.

Young boys were taught to make drums while girls make beaded hair barettes and glove tops, younger girls made necklaces.

These camps help in giving our youth a strong foundation as they move forward in their lives and help to strengthen their self-identity.

Tribes throughout the region continue to host Culture and Wellness Camps funded through Tanana Chiefs Conference and the Administration for Native Americans. Two camps will be hosted in each subregion for the next year and a half; with the hope that locals will continue with camps. Through these camps, the participants spend time with their local Elders and learn about their families, culture, history, language, and learning to survive without electronics for a few days!

For more information on upcoming camps, visit our website at www.tananachiefs.org/culture-and-wellness-camps

Last Tetlin



2018 TCC Culture & Wellness Camps:YUKON TANANA• Allakaket - July 9th - 13th• Nenana - Date TBD

YUKON FLATS• Chalkyitsik - July 9th-13th• Venetie - May 30th - June 2nd

LOWER YUKON• Grayling - Sept. 10th-14th• Shageluk - Date TBD

UPPER KUSKOKWIM• Nikolai - March 19th-23rd• TBD

YUKON KOYUKUK• Ruby - July 30th-August 2nd• Huslia - August 13th - 17th

UPPER TANANA• Northway - July 16th-21st• Tetlin - June 18th-23rd

Roy David, Tetlin

TCC’s Legacy of our Elders series documents the lives and stories of Athabascan elders throughout the TCC region. Their interviews are compiled into volumes that include a DVD movie as well as an accompanying book.The books and DVDs highlight

the elders and the stories that they want to share. These videos are available on our website at www.tananachiefs.orgFunding for Legacy Project made possible by TCC & The National Park Service.

This month’s Legacy elder is Roy David of Tetlin, who was featured in Volume Three of the Legacy of our Elders series.

David was born in 1939 in the village of Tetlin. His parents were Titus and Jessie David.

David and his siblings were raised in a traditional lifestyle, hunting and fishing off the land and relying heavily on their garden to harvest vegetables throughout the year.

Tragedy struck David’s family when his sister passed away in 1947. The loss didn’t end with her; eventually “all of my siblings died,” he says. “This is what we go through...struggle,” David continues. “I am the only one left; we saw my dad struggle.”

As David grew, he says his time in school was good and he enjoyed learning, but he quit before he could finish. “I wish somebody would knock me down right now for quitting school,” he says. “I shouldn’t have quit.”

He regrets that decision to this day. “It is so important, it is the best for people, it is the one answer.”

David’s mother had always taught him to settle down with a hard-working woman. She told him that those type of women would treat him right and be the best for him to raise a family with. Eventually, David met Cora and they began their life together. “She really helped me to learn our Athabascan culture and language,” he recalls. “She was very smart. She could do anything.”

David credits his ability to survive through hard times to his friends. “They are there for you and they help to pull your through,” he says.”

To hear Roy’s full story, visit www.tananachiefs.org

NEW BIA HOUSING APPLICATIONSNow Accepting

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Housing Improvement Program (HIP) is a Grant Program to help eligible American Indians/Alaska Natives in the TCC region renovate existing housing or build new homes!

HOW TO APPLY:1. Pick up an application at your local Tribal Office2. Provide a copy of your Tribal Enrollment Card3. Provide proof of income for entire household4. Proof of ownership of land or obtain a 25 year lease agreement5. If you are claiming disability, provide a letter stating disability from clinic6. Return all documents and applications to your local Tribal Office

DEADLINE TO APPLY ISDECEMBER 15, 2018


national immunizationMonthAugust is National

National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) is an annual observance held in August to highlight the importance of vaccination for people of all ages and all of us here at Tanana Chiefs Conference want to provide you with some great educational materials that could SAVE YOUR LIFE. NIAM was established to encourage people of all ages to make sure they are up to date on the vaccines recommended for them. Vaccines play a role in preventing serious, and sometimes deadly, diseases.If you are worried about your vaccination record or want to know more about immunization, make an appointment with your provider.

5 facts onvaccines

Vaccines are safe and effectiveAny licensed vaccine is rigorously tested before it is approved for use, regularly reassessed and constantly monitored for side effects. In the rare event aserious side effect is reported, it is immediately investigated.

Vaccines prevent deadly illnessesVaccination protects children from diseases like diphtheria, measles, mumps and pertussis (whooping cough). Failure to vaccinate leaves children and adults vulnerable to diseases, complications or even death.

Vaccines provide better immunity than natural infectionsThe immune response to vaccines is similar to the one produced by natural infection but less risky. For example: natural infection can lead to cognitive impairments from Haemophius influenzae type b (Hib), birth defects from congenital rubella infection or irreversible paralysis from polio.

Combined vaccines are safe and beneficialGiving several vaccines at the same time has no negative effect on a child’s immune system; reduces discomfort for the child; and saves time and money. Children are exposed to more antigens from a common cold than they are from vaccines.

If we stop vaccination, diseases will returnEven with better hygiene, sanitation and access to safe water, infections still spread. When people are not vaccinated, infectious diseases that have become uncommon-diphtheria, measles, mumps and polio - quickly reappear.

Source: http://www.who.int/campaigns/immunization-week/2017/infographic-5-facts.jpg?ua=1

are you up-to-date?7TANANA CHIEFS CONFERENCE • THE COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

On June 29th, 2018 Tanana Chiefs Conference held a ceremony celebrating six rural health care staff for completing all four levels of the Community Health Aide (CHA) Program; Karlene Lolnitz, Koyukuk; Destiny Salmon, Itinerant; Patricia Oldman, Itinerant; Eva Thomas, Northway; Dawn Newman, Rampart; Tori Stein, Itinerant.

This is the third group of graduates to complete CHA Level 4 through TCC’s Community Health Aide Training Center, which opened its doors in 2016. The intention of opening up this facility was to provide the opportunity for CHA’s to complete these programs at an accelerated rate.

Prior to the opening of the CHA Training Center, CHA’s would have to travel to Anchorage, Nome, or Bethel to complete their training, sometimes waiting up to two years just to be accepted into the program.

As of now, thirteen CHA’s have completed Level 4 through our training center, ensuring that our rural communities receive a higher level of care. Community Health Aides/Practitioners provide primary, preventative, chronic care, and 24/7 emergency services in the village.

The Community Health Aide/Practitioner is a unique and invaluable link to ensuring health

services in the TCC region. The opportunity to care for one’s own

community is honorable, take a great amount

of courage and promises to be one of the most fulfilling commitments of a lifetime.These six

individuals will return to their

communities and be able to offer the full services that a Health Aide can.

If you see then, be sure to congratulate them on their accomplishments!

Community Health Aide Program 2018 Graduates

Interested in becoming a Community Health Aide?Contact TCC’s Health aide program at (907) 452-8251 ext. 3401 or email [email protected]


AsparagusWorth a try for warmer, sunny gardens in Interior Alaska

By Heidi Rader, Tribes Extension Educator

Rhubarb patches are common in Alaskans’ backyards, but asparagus patches are not. Like rhubarb, asparagus is an edible perennial and, if not quite as reliable or prolific as rhubarb, is certainly one to consider. The beauty of perennials is that once they’re established, they’re relatively easy to maintain and you’ll be harvesting them around the time you’re planting annual vegetable crops. Perennials do require more up front work than annuals.

In 1995 Pat Holloway described asparagus as “finicky” in Fairbanks and I asked her recently if this was still true. She said yes and explained: “Warmer winters are one thing, but they are like peonies--they need snow cover. We have had spectacular successes on our warm south facing slopes until we lose the snow then everything is wiped out. If we keep getting these 40 below spells, and there is no snow--not good. At my house--1000 ft elevation, I can’t grow it worth a darn even though I rarely get to minus 25. I get these wimpy stalks that make great feathery fillers, but not much else. They survive, but just barely. I think it is worth trying on the good, warm sites, but don’t be surprised if it doesn’t work.”

There have been just a couple asparagus trials done in Alaska that I’m aware of--in the 90s by Pat Holloway and more recently the Alaska Plant Materials Center starting in 2014. Most of the varieties trialed in the 90s aren’t readily available anymore. Jersey Giant was one of the top

performers in these earlier trials and in 2014 so that is probably a good bet. Compared with crowns planted in the same year, Viking KB3, an open pollinated variety, yields were highest. Both Jersey Giant and Viking KB3 are available from Daisy Farms, along with many of the varieties trialed more recently by the Alaska Plant Materials Center (APMC)

Rusty Foreaker, Horticulturist with APMC, evaluated survivability of 14 different varieties in 2014 and 2015 in Kenai, Palmer, and North Pole. Notably, hardly any plants survived in Palmer. Rusty blamed this on a complete lack of snow cover or mulch. In Kenai and North Pole, Jersey Gem, Jersey Giant, Sweet Purple, and Del Monte 361 had the greatest survival rates. For further details on these recent asparagus trials including where root stock was ordered, you can contact Rusty Foreaker at (907) 745-8092 or [email protected].

You can plant asparagus from bare root crowns, from seed, or from a potted plant. Planting from crowns gives a one year head start on planting from seed. However, there can be quite a bit of variability in the quality of root crowns and planting from seed ensures that you’re not importing any pests or diseases. Starting potted asparagus is the most expensive option but the quickest route to eating your homegrown asparagus. Minnesota Extension recommends planting your asparagus about 6-8 inches deep in a well-tilled trench. At first, cover the crowns with

just 2 or 3 inches of soil. As the asparagus grows, gradually fill in the trench. Plants should be spaced about 15 inches apart in a 25 inch wide bed. If you’re lucky, the ferns will grow high--up to 5 or 6 feet!

As with most vegetables, asparagus prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5-7.0). Before planting, fertilize according to a soil test either conventionally or organically. In years two and three, fertilize or add compost early in the spring before the spears develop and afterwards. Subsequent you can fertilize once a year as it appears they need it.

Growing asparagus requires some patience and restraint. Don’t be too eager to harvest the first spears--wait until the plants are three years old--and even then, don’t harvest all of the spears. Harvest only the larger spears (about 6-8 inches long) and leave the rest to develop into ferns as this will help the roots grow and the plant to be more productive in subsequent years. You can remove the ferns in the spring after they have died back. Ideally, your plants will be productive for about 15 years.

You can find more growing instructions here from Minnesota Extension: https://bit.ly/2GTXn14 Although conditions in Alaska are obviously different, we do share a colder climate with Minnesota. Also, check out the dramatic difference between asparagus grown in a high tunnel and outside Homer, Alaska: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmOHCZ_Uvdk

For more information contact Heidi Rader at (907) 45208251 x3477 or [email protected]

This project was supported by the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, USDA Grant # 2013-41580-20782. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations

expressed in this publication are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.


primary electionsfor State & Federal OfficeElection season is here! Stay tuned to the next several Council editions for helpful voting information. The primary election for state and federal office this year is on Tuesday, August 21, 2018. But there are lots of important dates to know besides that one.

Vote-by-MailIf you would like the opportunity to fill out a ballot in the comfort of your own home and with no time constraints can fill out a Vote-by-Mail applications on-line at: www.elections.alaska.gov/doc/forms/C06%20ADL_R.pdf and mail to the Division of Elections at 2525 Gambell St, Ste 105, Anchorage, AK 99503. Those ballots will be mailed out to voters starting at the end of July. Voting by mail is simple and easy! Tanana Chiefs Conference is encouraging everyone to take advantage of this option.

Early voting starts August 6, 2018Find a group of co-workers or grab your spouse and head over to the Division of Elections in Fairbanks or an early

voting site for a group adventure! Better yet, grab your whole family, kids and all, and head to the polls. Make voting a family tradition! Snap a selfie and post to the Get Out The Native Vote – Interior Facebook page! We want

to see you out there making your voices heard.

Primary Election Day is August 21, 2018This is the day that Alaskans decide who will make it on the final ballot in November. There are three types of primary ballots in Alaska which is a little confusing. There is the Republican ballot, that will only have the candidates running as Republicans on it and is only available to people that are registered as Republican. The second ballot has everybody else that is running on it: The Alaska Democratic candidates, the Libertarian’s, and the Independence Party (different than Independent candidates, those guys only show up on the ballot in November), and is available to ALL registered voters. Finally, the third ballot only has the ballot measures on it, no candidates, for those folks that just want to weigh in on measures only and is available to ALL registered voters.

So, which ballot should you pick?If you live in Fairbanks or North Pole, the only contested race is in District 1 on the Republican side. So if you

feel strongly about either challengers Bart LeBon or Wolfgang Falke, pick the Republican ballot. The winner of that primary will face Kathryn Dodge (D) and former TCC Secretary PJ Simon (I) for an exciting three way race. If you live in the Lower Yukon or Kuskokwim subregions, the only contested race is also on the Republican side between challengers Stan Swetzof and William Weathersby. The winner of that primary will go on to face Speaker of the House Representative Bryce Edgmon (D). None of the other State House or Senate seats in the TCC area

are contested in the primary.In the Lt. Governor primary battle, the Republican ballot will have all the action. Lynn Gattis, Edie Grunwald,

Kevin Meyer, Gary Stevens, and Stephen Wright will duke it out to appear for the Republicans in November. Lt. Governor Byron Mallott and Democratic challenger Debra Call will face whoever gets the nod in the primary.

The Republican ballot is the place to be for the Governor’s race as well with Mike Dunleavy, Darin Colbry, Thomas Gordon, Gerald Heikes, Merica Hlatcu, Scott Hawkins, Jacob Seth Kern, Michael Sheldon, and Mead Treadwell

vying for the spot in November against Democrat challenger Mark Begich and Governor Bill Walker (I).Bravely stepping up to the plate against longest serving Congressman Don Young are Tom Nelson, and Jed

Whittaker. If you pick the “other” ballot (aka the not Republican ballot) Chris Cumings, Carol Hafner, Dimitri Shein and Indendent challenger Alyse Galvin face off.

All of the ballot initiatives will appear on the November ballot, so you only have the two to choose from this time. Get out and vote!

By Marna Sanford, TCC Government Relations Coordinator


tribal leadershipTCC Meets with

TCC Chief/Chairman Victor Joseph and other TCC leadership kicked off the 2018 summer village visits with a trip to Evansville and Anaktuvuk Pass in June. TCC met with tribal leadership and community members to gain a better understanding of the needs and concerns of the community and how TCC might help. The meetings included discussion on health services; what is working and what could be improved.

We would like to thank the communities for their hospitality and opening their homes to us.

in Evansville & Anaktuvuk

New Health Services Deputy DirectorPlease join us in welcoming Marilyn Andon as the new

Health Services Deputy Director.Marilyn, originally from Tanana, started working with TCC Behavioral Health

Services in September 2009 and has served as the Behavioral Health Director for the past 5 years. Marilyn holds a Master of Science Degree in Community

Mental Health and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology with a minor in Alaska Native Studies. Marilyn is well rounded with experience in grants

management, personnel management, program design and implementation, behavioral health integration and has been a key player in achieving

accreditation of behavior health services.Congratulations Marilyn!


New Village Support AccountantTanana Chiefs Conference is excited to announce that we recently hired

Jennifer Babcock as the Village Support Accountant.Jennifer will be helping villages upon request with bookkeeping,

QuickBooks, financial reporting, policies, payroll, taxes, and other accounting responsibilities.

Tribal Councils can contact Jennifer at (907) 452-8251 x3150, [email protected], or contact your Self-Governance Coordinator.

CANCERWarnings SignsIf you have any of the following symptoms for several weeks, talk to your provider:

• Unexplained weight loss• Unexplained blood in stool• Change in bowel habits• Pain in abdomen• Shortness of breath• Chronic cough• Severe headache that won’t go away• Feeling tired, weak, & dizzy

• Unexplained nausea/vomiting• Swollen glands/Lump in neck• Breast lumps or nipple discharge• Women: Bloated & fullness sensation in lower

abdomen• Men: Lump in testicles• Teenagers & Young Adults: Bone pain without

injury

If your body isn’t feeling normal, and it’s really bothering you...

Especially if you have pain that wakes you up at night, or interferes in your daily activities.

get checked!If you have any of the following symptoms make an appointment right away:

• First time seizure• Yellow eyes or skin• Coughing up blood

• Trouble swallowing• Blood in urine


community service needsTCC will begin surveying village residents about their

Enter into a cash prize drawing by the end of August!In August all Native residents of villages served by Tanana Chiefs Conference are

invited and encouraged to participate in a large survey about needs for services in your communities. The last regional needs survey was completed in 1998.

TCC is requesting your recommendations about priorities for governmental, health and social service improvements needed in the future. This information will be used for decisions about future TCC programs and resources, and to advocate with federal and state policy makers for new funding and initiatives.

The TCC RURAL COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY is open to teen and adult Alaska Native or American Indian residents (ages 13 and over), who are residents of rural communities in the TCC region. The paper surveys will be available during the month of August at all tribal government offices in the region. The survey lists about 100 different community services needs, and asks you to prioritize them as High, Medium, or Low. It should not take longer than 15 minutes to complete the survey. Tribal administrators and staff will be available to provide assistance in completing the surveys.

All participants names will be confidential. Summaries of the results will be available on the TCC website, and will be provided to TCC member tribal councils for their use in determining overall local community priorities.

A different community services needs survey will be available soon for Native residents of the Fairbanks North Star Borough.

Mail in your postcard to be eligible for one of 16 cash participant prizes! Postcards must be mailed by Thursday, August 30th to be eligible.

The drawing will be held in mid September at the TCC officeFor questions or recommendations about the survey please contact TCC Communications

Department, or Tiffany Simmons or Diane Evans-Sommer.

New No-Show Fees for Ravn AlaskaRAVN will now be following local market and industry practices by introducing a new No-Show fee, for Ravn

Alaska only. A no show customer forces Ravn Alaska to depart with the seat held empty and then are unable to sell that seat. Ravn asks that all customers call their Reservations Office to rebook or cancel their ticket at least 2 hours prior to departure times. If customers do not, they will get charged a fee of $50 per passenger and this is applied towards the unused credits available on the ticket. This new fee is applicable to all Ravn Alaska tickets (Flight Numbers 800-999) purchased on or after June 13th , 2018

Alaska Airlines Cancellation Policy ReminderDepending on your fare, there may be a fee to change or cancel your reservation. If a fee does apply, it is

$125 (USD) per person, per change, in addition to any difference in fare.

Also, when your new reservation is made, you’ll be responsible for a difference in the ticket price. If the ticket price is lower, we’ll either offer credit towards future travel or a refund depending on the rules of your ticket.


Contract Firefighter CrewsChallenges and Opportunities

By Will Putman, TCC Forestry Director

For generations, working on firefighting crews has been an important part of life in villages around the TCC Region. Although the work is unpredictable and sporadic, the employment of Emergency Firefighters (EFF) by the BLM-Alaska Fire Service (AFS) and the State of Alaska DNR Division of Forestry (DOF) has provided a valuable source of income while allowing people to maintain their village-based subsistence lifestyles.

In recent years, however, there have been a number of changes that have made it difficult for the agencies to maintain the EFF workforce, and the result has been a drastic reduction in the number of Type 2 EFF crews that are organized each fire season. Compliance with national crew standards, implementing medical standards in rural Alaska, Fort Wainwright base security clearance issues, and a general reduction in the available labor force in some villages have all combined into a perfect storm of negative consequences for the existence of Type 2 EFF crews. Just a few years ago there were 60 to 70 Type 2 EFF crews on the crew rotation list for Alaska; as of mid-summer 2018, that list is down to 20 crews.

The stress on Type 2 EFF crew management seems to be more acute on the federal side of the situation. As a result, the AFS is considering moving to a different model for management of their Type 2 village-based crews by having those crews set up as independent contract crews instead of federal EFF employees. A contractor working in this system would function as an independent business that would assume many of the management responsibilities normally done by AFS; the contractor would employ the firefighters, manage the payroll, and provide the necessary training and equipment for a crew to be fully prepared and available to the agencies as a wildland fire suppression resource. As a result, it is hoped that some of

the constraints and standards that have made it so difficult for the agencies to manage their EFF crews could be dealt with in a more flexible manner.

Under this new system, who could be a contractor? The answer is any legitimate business that could function in a village to organize the firefighters into a crew. Ideally, it could be a tribally-based business enterprise run by a tribal council, a business activity managed by a local ANCSA village corporation or by a regional corporation such as Doyon, Ltd., or a privately owned business run by a village resident. If a Type 2 wildland fire crew contractor is based in the village, it also helps to accomplish the goals of other efforts at TCC and elsewhere to enhance village economic development opportunities, and will allow for a certain amount of local self-determination to come into play with the management of the local crew that does not exist now. Less ideally, the contractor could be a business based elsewhere that comes in to a village to organize the firefighters into a contract crew, but it certainly appears that a village-based contractor should be able to successfully compete for the contract.

The challenges for a village-based contractor are substantial, but should be manageable. These challenges include building the administrative capacity for a contractor to manage a payroll, accessing the required training resources to train the crew to minimum standards, managing the cash flow required to successfully operate the business, and managing the acquisition and storage of required equipment.

What is TCC’s potential role in this? TCC goals include doing whatever it takes to enhance wildland firefighting employment and opportunities, and this could include providing assistance to village-based contractors in the form of administrative assistance, firefighter training services, financial assistance, and other forms of support. In particular, recent efforts by the TCC Forestry

Program to expand our capacity to deliver firefighter training could be applied to assist village-based Type 2 crew contractors. Following examples from elsewhere in the U.S., TCC could engage with local contractors as a regional “contract crew association” that would serve to provide training services, function as a clearinghouse for equipment and supply acquisition, or work

to provide dispatch services with the agencies. Or,

in the absence of local entities stepping up to become village-based contractors, TCC Forestry could submit proposals to be the contractor for

these crews, using our experience in managing

the Type 2 IA crew that we currently employ. If that were to happen, we feel it would be best for TCC to engage as a contractor on an interim basis, with the ultimate goal being the management of these crews being located in the villages.

The AFS has been working for some time to examine the possibility of Type 2 contract crews, but has had some delays in rolling out the program. Currently, the AFS anticipates releasing a solicitation for proposals for Type 2 crew contractors during the Fall of 2018, possibly October. If there are successful proposals, the contracts would be awarded during the winter of 2018-2019 for the startup of contract crews for the 2019 fire season. In the meantime, BLM has said they will be conducting an online survey to help determine how many potential contractors are out there, but as of this writing in early July, that survey has not been conducted yet. Any potential contractors should be working to prepare a business plan if they have not yet done so, and should be contacting local firefighters and crew bosses about the possibility of becoming contractor employees.

For more information contact Clinton Northway at x3379 or Will Putman at x3373


Community GardenPhotos by Keith Charlie, Minto Tribal Administrator

The Minto Summer Youth employees work hard in their community garden throughout the summers. The first harvest will go to the Minto Elders Lunch program.

Minto youth works on

What is your community doing?We want to see what your community is doing! Send your photos to the TCC

Communications Department to be featured in the monthly Council.

What to include:Photos

Names and ages (optional)Village

Short Description about photos

Send information and photos to [email protected]

Do not drink if you...• Are under the age of 21• Are pregnant or may be pregnant• Are operating a motor vehicle• Have health problems that could be made worse by drinking

To schedule a screening/referral:TCC Behavior Health Services(907) 452-8251 x38001-800-478-7822 x3800*Minors do not need parental consent for substance abuse screenings

For more information:TCC Prevention Through Wellness(907) [email protected]


TCC Behavioral Health earns Three-Year CARF Accreditation

CARF International announced that Tanana Chiefs Conference Behavioral Health Division has been accredited a second time for a period of three years for its programs.

This accreditation decision represents the highest level of accreditation that can be given to an organization and shows our substantial conformance to the CARF standards. An organization

receiving a Three-Year Accreditation has put itself through a rigorous peer review process. We have demonstrated to a team of surveyors during the on-site visit our commitment to offering programs and

services that are measurable, accountable, and of the highest quality.

Thank you to all that participated in the survey and to everyone for all their support.

“Behavioral Health demonstrated substantial conformance to the standards.”

“The organization’s commitment to providing excellent services is masterfully balanced with preserving the rich culture and heritage of the Alaskan people.”

“Tanana Chiefs Conference Behavioral Health appears likely to maintain and/or improve its current method of operation and demonstrates a commitment to ongoing quality improvement.”

STAY IN TOUCHwith Tanana Chiefs Conference

Tanana Chiefs Conference is excited to introduce a new column, called Financial Matters, that will be appearing in the TCC Council monthly beginning in the September edition. In this forum, TCC Health Services Finance (HSF) will attempt to answer your questions regarding anything from Billing issues to concerns with Travel and Registration. Some topics we intend to cover soon include travel responsibilities for escorts, why doesn’t my insurance cover more of my charges, what is (and is not) covered by PRC and Medicaid, how and why to register for the patient portal and much, much more.

Questions for the column and suggestions for articles can be forwarded to the TCC Communications Division and will be routed to the HSF Director for consideration. The HSF Division includes Registration, Alternate Resources, Coding, Billing, Health Information, Purchased/Referred Care and Patient Travel.

Email questions and/or suggestions to [email protected]


Wellness & Prevention interns2018

Holly Chee

Aleksandra Milanovic-Carter

I am Dine’ from Albuquerque, New Mexico, originally from Pueblo Pintado. A small community located within the Eastern Navajo Agency. I have a Masters

Degree in Social Work, with a background in HIV/Hep C Prevention and Harm Reduction. I am an intern with the Summer Prevention Internship Program and I am SUPER EXCITED to be here at TCC. I am also very excited to be assisting and participating with the Cultural Camps. YAY!!!

I came to Fairbanks 9 years ago, from Serbia (ex Yugoslavia) where I was born and raised. Before I came to Alaska I studied Japanese Language and Literature at the University of Belgrade, Faculty of Philology. Last spring I graduated

from UAF with a BA in Psychology. I am interested in psychology of space exploration, more specifically isolation, boredom, resilience, self-

determination, intrinsic motivation, seasonality, circadian rhythm and typology, and the impact of light on mood and behavior. I love research

(unconditionally!), and have been volunteering as a research assistant in the Nature Lab at the UAF, Department of Psychology

for two years now.

If you are interested in becoming an intern for any of our programs, please visit www.tananachiefs.org to see what is available!

Submit Your Photos!Submit your photos for the 2019 TCC Calendar!

DEADLINE IS OCTOBER 19TH, 2018Send your photos to

[email protected]


Ballot Measure 1 is the citizens’ ballot initiative more commonly known as Stand for Salmon, which seeks to update Alaska’s habitat laws for protecting salmon waterways. Voters in

Alaska will have the opportunity in November to vote on the issue. The State of Alaska is challenging the constitutionality of the ballot initiative, claiming it prioritizes one resource (fish) over another and the Alaska Supreme Court is supposed to issue their ruling on that challenge by early September. Currently, the initiative will appear on the ballot as Ballot Measure 1 unless the Supreme Court rules otherwise.

Below is a summary of the current laws and what the initiative would do, if passed. It’s long, but it is important to educate yourself on the initiative and fully understand how it could

impact your area and livelihood.

The current laws that protect salmon habitat state:1. That the commissioner shall specify various rivers, lakes, and streams or parts of them that are

important for the spawning, rearing, or migration of anadromous fish. (Note: anadromous fish are fish that live part of their lives in freshwater, migrate to the ocean, and then return to freshwater – like salmon, ciscoes, or lamprey, to name a few).

2. If a person or governmental agency desires to construct a hydraulic project, or use, divert, obstruct, pollute, or change the natural flow or bed of a specified river, lake, or stream, or to use wheeled, tracked, or excavating equipment or log-dragging equipment in the bed of a specified river, lake, or stream, the person or governmental agency shall notify the commissioner of this intention before beginning of the construction or use.

3. The person or governmental agency is required to submit to the commissioner full plans and specifications of the proposed construction or work, complete plans and specifications for the proper protection of fish and game in connection with the construction or work, or in connection with the use, and the approximate date the construction, work, or use will begin.

4. After reviewing the full plans and specifications, the commissioner shall approve the proposed construction, work, or use in writing unless the commissioner finds the plans and specifications insufficient for the proper protection of fish and game.

Ballot Measure 1 (aka Stand for Salmon) seeks to update the existing law in four ways:1. Creates a major and minor permit track. Projects, activities, or uses that ADFG determines would

significantly and adversely affect anadromous habitat, would then be routed through a major permit track. This major permit track includes a more rigorous review of the permit application and includes a public process (see below #2) and requires ADFG to draft a Fish Habitat Impact Assessment to analyze potential adverse effects and also consider potential alternatives and options to mitigate any adverse effects. Projects, activities, or uses that ADFG determines would not significantly and adversely affect anadromous habitat would go through a streamlined minor permit process – which is essentially the same process all projects go through today.

2. Create a public process. When someone submits their plans (e.g. a permit application) to ADFG for review (as stated above) and ADFG determines the project qualifies for the major permit track, ADFG will be required to notify the public that an application has been submitted and the public will then have 30 days to comment on the proposed project after ADFG publishes their Fish Habitat Impact Assessment. Currently, there is no way for the public to know when a permit application has been submitted or to provide comments on permit applications.

What is ballot measure 1?


3. Assumes all waterways in Alaska are capable of producing or supporting anadromous species, like salmon. Currently, ADFG attempts to document all waterways in Alaska that support salmon and other anadromous species in what is called the Anadromous Waters Catalog. If someone wants to conduct an activity as mentioned above in a waterway listed in this catalog, then they need to apply for a permit from ADFG. If that waterway is not listed in the catalog, then they don’t need a permit at all. This can be a problem when ADFG has not done surveys in all areas of the state to document where salmon spawn and rear and documenting where juvenile salmon are rearing can be especially challenging if they are using multiple systems and may not be in the same place as the researchers at the same time. By assuming a waterway can support or produce salmon, then all activities that could damage habitat would need a permit, regardless of the listing in the catalog. The onus would be on the person or company applying for a permit to prove the waterway is not anadromous, or they could accept the assumption and proceed through the permitting process anyway. The “assumption of anadromy” ensures that waterways that support or produce salmon but are not currently listed in the catalog get habitat protections.

4. Includes language regarding habitat qualities that salmon need to thrive, such as water quality, water temperature, stream flow, bank stability, and more. By including this language for protection standards, ADFG will be mandated to ensure protection of these habitat characteristics when issuing permits. Currently, none of these standards exist in law.

Lastly, the initiative outlines several conditions when the Commissioner shall find that a permit may not be granted. There are no stipulations in the current law that clearly define when a permit should be declined by ADFG. The initiative states that a permit may not be granted for an activity that will:

1. Cause substantial damage to anadromous fish habitat (that cannot be mitigated/avoided).2. Fail to ensure proper protection of fish and wildlife.3. Store or dispose of mining waste (including waste rock and tailings) in a way that could

result in the release or discharge of sulfuric acid, other acids, dissolved metals, toxic pollutants or other compounds that will adversely affect, directly or indirectly, anadromous fish habitat, fish, or wildlife species that depend on anadromous fish habitat (e.g. bears, eagles that use and feed from these waterways).

4. Replace or supplement, in full or in part, a wild fish population with a hatchery-dependent fish population.

5. Withdraw water from anadromous fish habitat that will adversely affect fish habitat, fish, or wildlife species.

6. Dewater or relocate a stream or river if the relocation does not provide for fish passage or will adversely affect anadromous fish habitat, fish, or wildlife.

A permit may still be issued if an activity does any of the above if the applicant can prove that they can offset or mitigate the adverse effects and ADFG can require the applicant use the best available, scientifically supported techniques to offset or mitigate any of the above adverse effects. However, the applicant may not offset any of the activity’s adverse effects by restoring, establishing, enhancing, or preserving another water body (e.g. Donlin would destroy two salmon streams in the Kuskokwim drainage, but under current law, can restore and preserve a salmon stream in Cook Inlet to offset their impacts – a proposal they have offered under their current plan. This would not be allowed if the initiative passes).

The Tanana Chiefs Full Board of Directors unanimously passed a resolution supporting the Stand for Salmon ballot initiative at the March 2018 convention.

What is ballot measure 1?By Stephanie Quinn-Davidson,

Yukon River Inter-Tribal Commission Director


Follow us:

JOB LISTED WERE OPEN AS OF July 11th, 2018

• Behavioral Health Aide (Anaktuvuk Pass, Rampart)• Behavioral Health Clinical Associate (Galena)• Community Health Aide/Practitioner (Eagle)• Intake Services Coordinator (Galena)• Physician Assistant-Upper Tanana Health Center

(Tok)• Squad Boss (Tok)• Tribal Family Youth Specialist (McGrath)• Tribal Workforce Development Specialist (McGrath)• Village Public Safety Officer (McGrath, Venetie,

Grayling, Circle, Tanana, Fort Yukon, Nulato, Ruby)• Wild Land Firefighter Type II Crew Member (Tok)

Village Vacancies

Fairbanks Vacancies

TCC Annual Education SummitAugust 1st-2nd • Chief David Salmon Tribal Hall • Fairbanks, AK

Tanana Valley State FairAugust 3rd-11th • Fairbanks, AK

Upper Tanana Subregional MeetingAugust 3rd • Tetlin, AK

Yukon Tanana Subregional MeetingAugust 14th-15th • Minto, AK

Upper Kuskokwim Subregional MeetingAugust 17th • Takotna, AK

Yukon Flats Subregional MeetingAugust 21st • Venetie, AK

Yukon Koyukuk Subregional MeetingAugust 28th-29th • Ruby, AK

Lower Yukon Subregional MeetingAugust 30th • Holy Cross, AK

• Administration Intern• Behavioral Health Clinician• Certified Nurse Midwife• Clinical Training Specialist• Corporate Information Security Officer• Health Informatics Specialist• Hospitality Support Staff• Housekeeper• Itinerant Behavioral Health Clinician• Physician - Primary Care• Physician - Women’s Health• Physician Assistant - Float• Senior Case Manager• Veterans Administration RN Case Manager

Region- Wide Vacancies• Tribal Transportation Intern• Itinerant Clinician - SOC• Rural Clinic Operations Manager

The Council Newsletter122 First Avenue, Suite 600

Fairbanks, Alaska 99701

Phone: (907) 452-8251 ext. 3424Fax: (907) 459-3884

[email protected]

www.tananachiefs.org

Letters to the Editor, other written contributions and photo submissions are welcome. However, space is limited

and program-oriented news has priority. We reserve the right to edit or reject material. Letters and opinions are not necessarily

the opinions of Tanana Chiefs Conference.

JOIN THE TCC FAMILYw w w.ta n a n ac h i e fs . o r g

UPCOMING MEETINGS/EVENTS

cultural connectionsA 30-minute live performance featuring Alaska Native Youth

sharing dances, music, and stories.

Monday - Friday11:30am, 1:30pm, and 3:30pm

Throughout AugustMorris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center$10 per person $5 for youth 16 and under

Dena’ Nena’ Henash • Our Land Speaks · Community Health Aide Training Center. TCC’s...

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Transcript of Dena’ Nena’ Henash • Our Land Speaks · Community Health Aide Training Center. TCC’s...